This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of police reporting behaviour over the life course. Data was obtained from the National Crime Victimization Survey, between 1992 and 2010. It was found that 45.1% of all violence was reported to police and there was a substantial variation in the rate of reporting by the age of the victim and by the type of crime. Females were more likely to report violence than males, but not in all age categories. Gender was not found to be a significant predictor in victims aged 50 or older. The study also supports previous research that injuries are related to police reporting. The authors suggest that sexual victimisation should be explored separately from other forms of violence with the rate of reporting high among young adolescents. Findings from this study also suggest that reporting behaviour increases in adulthood and continues to improve over the life course. One recommendation is that policy should focus on improving young people's understanding of their rights as victims